Paris Air

Become A Pilot: Flying Lessons, Flight School, Pilot Training For Private Pilot License

 

Three Ways We Prioritize Flight Safety

Paris Air’s culture of safety permeates everything we do.

Flight safety is the cornerstone of aviation. Every pilot and student pilot should understand that safety is the utmost goal of flying. That’s why Paris Air prioritizes safety in all areas of our operation. From maintaining a high-quality aircraft fleet to instructing students on aviation safety, we have a culture of safety that is upheld by Paris Air employees and students.

Continue reading to learn three ways that we ensure the safety of student pilots, flight instructors, and passengers at Paris Air. 

1. Part 145 FAA-Approved Repair Station

Our 20,000 square foot maintenance facility is a Part 145 FAA-Approved Repair Station, ensuring that our planes are kept in the safest conditions possible. 

What is a Part 145 FAA-Approved Repair Station?

According to the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), repair stations perform maintenance, inspections, and alterations of aircraft and aircraft products. Repair Stations have a certificate issued by the FAA under Title 14 of the Code of Federal Regulations. 

The Part 145 certification means that our maintenance operations are held to a higher standard of excellence and that there is a higher level of oversight on our operations. As a result, our students and flight instructors can have confidence that the planes they are flying on a daily basis are safe and exceptionally maintained.

Because Part 145 FAA-Approved Repair Stations are heavily regulated by the FAA, they are more incentivized to do things to the highest standard in order to maintain their repair station status. 
So, what does this all mean for student pilots at Paris Air? Pilots have greater peace of mind because they have confidence that the Repair Station is maintaining the aircraft properly.

What Makes a Part 145 FAA-Approved Repair Station Unique?

There are several things that differentiate Part 145 FAA-Approved Repair Stations. Some things include:

At Paris Air, owner Paris Christodoulides personally oversees the Part 145 FAA-Approved Repair Station and ensures that standards are met. Students can often find him there checking up on things and making sure safety is kept at the forefront.

2. High-Quality Aircraft Fleet

Having well-maintained aircraft is critical to flight safety and peace of mind for pilots. We have 50 single-engine and multi-engine aircraft that our team keeps operating safely. 

In addition to FAA-required annual inspections, our aircraft are well-maintained by our Part 145 FAA-approved Repair Station. They also have an inspection for every 100 hours flown. This ensures that our students and flight instructors are always flying in the safest aircraft. 
Our aircrafts also have the latest and greatest in instrumentation and electronics, further establishing the safety of our fleet.

3. Championing a Culture of Safety

Our focus on safety is evidenced by our high-caliber flight instruction where safety is taught on a daily basis. In fact, safety forms the foundation of all flight training. 

Take it from flight instructor Filippo Romelli, we hold ourselves to high standards and continuously maintain our aircraft–one of the most important things to evaluate when selecting a flight school. When asked why they love Paris Air, many of our students will talk about the safety of our aircraft and flight training. 

Not only are the planes themselves held to high safety standards, our flight instructors and students are held to these same standards. Safety is built into all of our flight training and is always at the forefront both in ground school and flight training. 

At Paris Air, we believe that finding the right fit between flight instructor and student is critical for learning. That’s why we encourage students to find an instructor who they’re most comfortable with. Once this relationship is formed, they can feel comfortable asking questions, which is a critical component to becoming a safe pilot. Clear and effective communication, particularly with controllers, is an essential component of flight safety and our flight training program. 

The fundamentals of flight safety are first introduced in ground school and then applied during flight training. Every aspect of flight training is taught from a safety standpoint. For instance, when students begin learning and practicing various aircraft maneuvers, it revolves around how to safely execute them.

A perfect example of ways that pilots practice safety is during pre-flight inspections. This is one of the first things students are taught when they learn how to fly. The components of a pre-flight inspection include:

  • Examining the physical appearance of the aircraft by checking the landing gear and checking the overall condition of the aircraft for dents or other abnormalities in the wings or skin of the aircraft; 
  • Sumping the fuel tanks for water to ensure that the fuel isn’t diluted;
  • Ensuring the oil is at an appropriate level; and 
  • Checking flight controls for correct movement and freeness. 

In addition to the safety of the actual aircraft, there are also measures taken to keep students and pilots safe while in and around the aircraft. For instance, it is common practice to yell “clear” before starting the propellers to inform anyone who may be standing in proximity. Students are also taught the importance of safe handling of propellers. 

Once the aircraft begins taxiing, the flight instructor teaches the student how to conduct a pre-flight runup to check engine operation and to ensure that all engine gauges are within operating ranges. 

Before takeoff, flight instructs teach SPITT checklist, which stands for:

  • Strobes
  • Pitot heat
  • Instruments
  • Transponder
  • Time

This is a simple acronym and memory aid that helps pilots remember to check critical things before taking flight. 

Student pilots are provided with written checklists for every aspect of the flight: pre-flight, runup, takeoff, climb, cruise, descent, landing, and after-landing. 

Take Flight with Paris Air

Are you interested in becoming a safe pilot? Explore all that Paris Air has to offer in flight training programs for both domestic and international students.